Broadband Leader named for USDA

Two-term Federal Communications Commission member is nominated to guide the expansion of high-speed Web access in the country.

Mar 22, 2009

Jonathan Adelstein has been nominated by the White House to a USDA agency that will play a role in bringing broadband Internet to the country. Adelstein is a two-term commissioner with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission and would take the reins of the Rural Utilities Service.

RUS is receiving economic stimulus money to issue grants and loans to boost the availability of high-speed Web access in rural areas. The service also provides water, waste, electric and other telecommunication projects. RUS is part of USDA Rural Development.

Before joining the FCC, Adelstein spent 15 years as a U.S. Senate staffer, with the final seven working with Tom Daschle, D-S.D.